Angst over deeper cuts

By
RENEE THOMPSON

A rally opposing federal Budget cuts will be held in Bendigo on August 12.

Rally about sending strong message, Labor MPs say

Rally: MPs Maree Edwards, Lisa Chesters and Jacinta Allan.

A rally opposing federal Budget cuts will be held in Bendigo on August 12.

The Bust The Budget rally, organised by Bendigo Labor MPs Lisa Chesters, Jacinta Allan and Maree Edwards, follows on from similar rallies in major cities around Australia.

Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said more than 300 people indicated they would turn up to the rally.

“There were over 1000 people who signed a petition we started opposing the Budget – we’ve invited those who have signed to attend," she said.

Labelling it a "shocker Budget", Ms Chesters encouraged members of the Bendigo community to send a strong message to the government.

"Yesterday it was revealed that Joe Hockey wanted to go further in his first Budget and make deeper cuts," she said.

"It’s another reason why the people of Bendigo should go to this rally and send a message to the Treasurer and Prime Minister.

"It’s scary to think this is the beginning of a blueprint for this country."

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said the federal Budget would have a significant impact on many people, particularly families on low incomes.

"The Budget cuts will impact on the most disadvantaged in the community, those that can least afford the cuts," she said.

Ms Edwards also took aim at the Napthine Government for state Budget cuts and said the rally hoped to attract people impacted by both.

"Given there’s a lot of anger, confusion and uncertainty about people’s future thanks to the federal Budget cuts and also Napthine Budget cuts," she said.

"There’s a lot of angst in the community which could see many turn up to this rally."

But Federal Liberal Minister and Patron Senator for Bendigo, Michael Ronaldson, said the rally was "nothing more than political grandstanding".

“The Coalition Government has delivered a Budget that will strengthen the economy and create a more prosperous Australia. This will create more jobs in Bendigo and across the country,” he said.

“The 2014-15 Budget delivers $106.03 million for local infrastructure projects across the Bendigo region which will bring job opportunities, boost our local economy, and make roads safer for motorists.

“This rally is nothing more than political grandstanding from three Labor MPs who support slugging Bendigo households with a carbon tax which hits families on average by $550 a year and our economy by $9 billion.”